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Effectiveness of treatment for alcohol problems: findings of the randomised UK alcohol treatment trial (UKATT)

BMJ 2005; 331 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7516.541 (Published 08 September 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;331:541

Rapid Response:

Alcohol misuse treatment.

It is always interesting to read about so called new treatments for a
problem that has baffled us ever since man first trod grapes.

Rejoicing in my long standing recovery from alcholism, and always
seeking to improve the service I offer to others who are struggling for
freedom from the misery and isolation commonly associated with compulsive
drinking, I read eagerly the 'latest' developments. After some 27 years of
unbroken sobriety and some 20 plus years in seeking to
assist others to recover, I have reached the following conclusions.

Notwithstanding any economic,social,psychological, or physical
problems induced by alcohol, no one quits until he/she is ready.

The maintainence of subsequent sobriety is dependent on a change in
personality, Alcoholics Anonymous refers to such change as a "spiritual
experience" (1). I believe that such change may be assisted by
therapeutic,psychological or psychiatric intervention for personality
malfunctions or disorders. Those of a religious persuasion may also
benefit from pastoral counselling.

The type of intervention is secondary to treating the client/patient
with the same dignity and consideration to which we would like to be
treated. This assumes even greater importance when considering that those
who have formed a dependency on alcohol may well have developed serious
difficulties in both cognitive and motor skills.

In my opinion it is essential that whatever type of intervention is
employed, it is done so within the framework of the "Cycle of Change" (2)
model, working with the client/patient at whatever stage he/she is at,
rather than the stage that those seeking to assist the recovery feel the
client/patient 'should' be at, or where they would like them to be.

Sadly, despite the reams of words, especially those that dwell on
'political correctness' that have been written on and in the Danos
standards guidelines, the latter two points do not seem to have merited
attention.

Peter O'Loughlin.

The Eden Lodge Practice.
Beckenham. BR3 3AT.

References:

1 Alcoholics Anonymous. 'The Big Book'. Page 567. 4th edition AA
World Services New York 2001.

2 Prochaska, J.O. DiClemente, C.C. Towards a Comprehensive Model of
Change. New York. Plenum. 1986

Competing interests:
None declared

Competing interests: No competing interests

10 September 2005
Peter O'Loughlin
Addictgions Counsellor
UKATT Research Team
Eden Lodge Practice. Beckenham BR3 3AT